Ask your child, or students, if they have questions about handicaps or initiate a conversation. For example, if you see your child staring at someone in a wheelchair, say "I'm sure you noticed that girl in the wheelchair. She is paralyzed and cannot walk, so she uses the wheelchair to help her. She is wearing all pink, so that's probably her favorite color, like yours." Include a part at the end of your statement that makes it seem to the child that the person with a handicap is similar to other people.
Teach children how to talk about people with mental and physical handicaps. For example, someone with mental retardation should not be referred to as "slow" or "stupid," but rather as a "person with developmental disabilities" or a "person with mental retardation." Language like "slow" or "retard" is negative and only describes one aspect of a person, their disability. Saying "person with mental retardation" puts the person first.
Avoid making jokes and do not allow children to make jokes about people with disabilities. Children need to understand it is not okay to make fun of other people, and children can learn that it is not funny to make comments about the way other people walk, talk or act.
Answer questions without putting emotion or opinions in your vocal tone or statement. When a child asks, "What's wrong with that person?" you can say "She has cerebral palsy, which affects her muscles. She has more difficulty walking than you do." Take the opportunity at home to learn more about cerebral palsy or other disability with your child.
Explain to your child that just as there are racial, religious or cultural differences, there is also diversity in abilities. Some children can play music and sing songs; other children may not be able to hear or talk. Some children learn a new subject in school quicker; some children have difficulty with some subjects. Some kids are good runners; others cannot walk or need a wheelchair to get around. Encourage children to think about what makes people different but also what things are the same.